Circuit Law Day includes 62 cases, three felony guilty pleas

During Circuit Law Day on June 17, 2026, the Honorable Craig Carter sentenced the following defendants:

Lauren A. Thatch, 31, Hartville, was sentenced to 3 years in prison for the class D felony of Possession of Controlled Substance.  The offense occurred in April of 2025 and was investigated by the Ava Police Department.

David J. Cahoon, Jr., 47, Ava, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the class D felony of 2nd Degree Assault as a prior and persistent felony offender.  Pursuant to a plea agreement, the court suspended Cahoon’s sentence and placed him on 5 years of supervised probation with the Board of Probation and Parole.   The offense occurred in June of 2025 and was investigated by the Ava Police Department.

Patricia M. Hurt, 28, Ava,  was sentenced to 10 days in the Douglas County Jail for the class E felony of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. The offense occurred in February 2026 and was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.

There were 62 criminal cases on the docket with some defendants appearing by video. There were 3 felony guilty pleas entered.  One failure to appear warrant was issued. One defendant was continued on probation.  Three defendants were set for a probation violation hearing.

Two defendants were set for jury trial and 5 defendants were set for either disposition or trial setting.